Ep. 56: Radio Maverick Randy Miller on Morning Show Magic and Military Mission

Radio legend Randy Miller joins host Nick Parker for a wide-ranging conversation spanning five decades in broadcasting. From his teenage years as a DJ in Knoxville to dominating morning radio ratings in major markets, Randy reveals the preparation and spontaneity that made his shows unmissable.

Hear classic stories including the Country Club Plaza pay phone pranks that had listeners calling in late to work, the confrontation with Hal Ketchum that became legendary, and discovering Billy Crystal was a jazz DJ in college. Randy explains his interview philosophy of researching deeply while leaving room for surprises, and why he refuses to accept pre-submitted questions from celebrity publicists.

The conversation explores Randy's transformation into a military advocate through the National Defense Network and Celebrity Salute podcast, where he's conducted over 15,000 interviews with celebrities, corporate leaders, and Purple Heart recipients. Learn about the upcoming 10-city Back the Bases tour and how Randy's work preserves vital military stories for future generations.

A must-listen for anyone interested in broadcasting evolution, interview techniques, or supporting America's veterans.

Episode Highlights:

  • Radio industry changes from the '80s to streaming era

  • The art of celebrity interviews and finding unexpected moments

  • Building the National Defense Network from scratch

  • Upcoming military base tour with major celebrities

  • Why proper research beats wing-it interviews every time

The News Nirvana podcast is made possible by Blox Digital. Visit bloxdigital.com

Fredrick Reed

Storytelling is at the core of all endeavors. Every step forward involves the act of crafting and sending a message to convey a story and open a path to new relationships. At Fredrick Reed, we believe success depends on our ability to tell our stories in a manner attracting and engaging the desired audience. 

Next
Next

Ep. 55: From Print to Product Strategy: Mizzou's Elizabeth Stephens on Training Next-Gen Journalists